Zero waste in fashion and textile

International Day of Zero Waste is observed every year on March 30 to create awareness about sustainable consumption and production patterns, aiming to conserve our resources and protect the environment.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), "every year, humanity generates between 2.1 billion and 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste. Without urgent action, the annual waste generation will hit 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050".

The theme for Zero Waste Day 2025 focuses on the fashion and textile industry and calls for immediate actions to reduce the waste produced by these sectors. According to the UNEP, "it is estimated that 92 million tonnes of textile waste is generated worldwide each year".

There are multiple reasons behind the massive amounts of waste produced by the fashion and textile industry, which cause significant socio-economic and environmental damage.

First and foremost, rapidly changing fashions and trends influence people to adopt new styles to maintain their perceived social status. This results in extravagant spending on new clothes and outfits as individuals strive to keep up with the latest trends and gain social approval. 

For instance, during the recent Eid celebrations in Pakistan, almost every second woman either purchased or stitched a 'farshi shalwar' simply to follow the prevailing fashion trend in society. Such fashion trends contribute to increased demand and supply of clothing, thereby accelerating the cycle of consumption and waste.

Second, celebrities are widely regarded as opinion leaders within society. Figures from the fashion and entertainment industries play a crucial role in setting trends and influencing the public, encouraging even more people to emulate their fashion choices. 

In addition, fashion designers and textile manufacturers operate on profit-driven economic models. When a new trend or demand emerges within society, these designers and industries seize the opportunity to produce massive quantities of clothing to meet this demand and generate profits. This business model fuels overproduction and contributes significantly to textile waste.

There is also a psychological aspect associated with the unsustainable practices of the fashion and textile industries. Through strategic advertising, products are presented in a way that makes them appear both attractive and essential. 

This marketing strategy often traps consumers into purchasing items they do not necessarily need, driven more by desire and impulse than actual requirements.

The rise of internet accessibility and the rapid growth of e-commerce have also made the purchase of clothes and fashion products much more convenient. Today, numerous online platforms are available that allow people to browse and buy a wide range of products from the comfort of their homes.

This shift has particularly benefited working women, who may not have the time to visit physical outlets or shopping malls, as they can now easily order clothing and accessories online. 

Similarly, people residing in remote or underdeveloped areas, where retail infrastructure is lacking, can now access a diverse selection of designers and fashion items through these e-commerce platforms.

However, this convenience has also led to overconsumption, as people tend to buy more than they need. Many individuals fail to value their financial resources and often end up spending money on products that have little to no practical use in their lives.

The consequences of these unsustainable consumption and production patterns in the fashion and textile industry are numerous and deeply concerning. One of the most significant outcomes is the generation of large volumes of waste, which contributes to severe environmental degradation. 

The textile industry relies heavily on chemicals for production, many of which end up polluting water bodies and posing serious health risks to both humans and aquatic life. 

The packaging materials used for shipping and displaying products are also often non-biodegradable. These materials clog drainage systems and pose a danger to marine animals when they enter aquatic ecosystems.

Once products are manufactured and ready for distribution, the transportation of these goods further contributes to environmental harm. The logistics involved in delivering fashion products to markets generate substantial carbon emissions, exacerbating the problem of climate change. 

The increasing demand for fashion items has also led to the expansion of industrial activities in the textile sector. This expansion depletes valuable natural resources, destroys the natural habitats of many endangered species, and disturbs the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Beyond environmental consequences, there are also financial implications to consider. The money individuals spend on continuously updating their wardrobes to match fleeting fashion trends could instead be saved or invested in more meaningful ways.

In a world increasingly vulnerable to climate-related disasters and economic instability, these financial resources could serve as a buffer against unexpected income shocks. 

Saving money that would otherwise be spent on non-essential clothing purchases can help individuals and families better prepare for emergencies, mitigate socio-economic challenges, and build resilience in the face of adversity.

The writer is a graduate of the University of Oxford in Public Policy. She tweets/posts @zilehumma_1 and can be reached at: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in this piece are the writer's own and don't necessarily reflect Geo.tv's editorial policy.

Originally published in The News